As Bangladesh battles its ongoing flood crisis, a new digital platform, Protirodh.net, is emerging as a vital tool for communities facing devastation.
Launched just two weeks ago on 8 August, the platform was initially designed to address issues of burglaries and civil unrest. However, with the country grappling with severe floods, Protirodh.net has swiftly adapted its services to support relief and rescue efforts, reads a press release.
The platform has introduced a comprehensive set of features as of 21 August, aimed at improving the effectiveness of relief and rescue efforts.
These new tools are designed to bring communities together, enabling them to respond more swiftly and effectively in times of need.
Key features include:
- Real-Time Flood Updates: The platform provides citizens with up-to-the-minute information on the flood situation, including water levels and affected areas.
- Volunteer Mapping: Protirodh.net categorizes volunteers based on their skills and expertise, such as medical assistance, food distribution, shelter provision, and rescue operations. This ensures that aid is directed efficiently to those who need it most.
- Live Location Reporting: Users can report incidents directly from their location, providing critical information to relief teams on the ground.
- Remote Reporting: Recognizing the challenges of internet access during emergencies, the platform allows friends and family members to report on behalf of those directly affected.
- Heat Map of Critical Areas: A dynamic map highlights flood-affected regions, helping prioritize rescue and relief efforts.
- Centralized Requests and Donations: Protirodh.net acts as a central hub for requests for aid and donations, ensuring that resources are directed efficiently to those in desperate need.
- Coordinated Relief Efforts: By centralizing communication, the platform facilitates the coordination of various relief operations, maximizing their reach and effectiveness.
Protirodh.net’s rapid rise reflects a growing global trend of utilising technology to empower communities. By providing accessible tools for communication and coordination, the platform equips local communities to respond to crises effectively and collectively.
Read more: Shwapno stands beside flood-affected people
Co-founded by Fahim Murshed and Marwa Kazi Mohammed, Protirodh.net serves as a beacon of hope for Bangladeshi communities struggling against the floods.
As the country continues its fight, the platform plays a critical role in ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.
